Monday, 17 October 2011

Man in Orange County Salon Shooting Suffered from PTSD

A man arrested after a shooting at a Seal Beach salon suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, after being injured in a boat accident. Orange County prosecutors have promised that they will seek the death penalty for Scott Dekraai, even as San Diego criminal defense lawyers have learned new details about the suspect’s troubled life.

According to prosecutors, on the day of the massacre, Scott Dekraai wore body armor, and stepped into the Salon Meritage where his ex-wife worked. There he began shooting people in the head and chest, killing eight people and all. He has been arrested, and a judge has already ordered a medical review. Dekraai’s lawyers have alleged that he is not being provided antipsychotic medications while he is in jail. Prosecutors have confirmed that they will seek the death penalty in this case.

Scott Dekraai and his ex-wife were involved in a bitter custody dispute over their 8-year-old son. He and his wife divorced in 2007. In fact, the day before the shooting, he and his wife made an appearance at a child custody hearing. Scott Dekraai’s life took a turn for the worse in 2007, after he separated from his wife. He was injured in a boat accident, when he had been working with tow lines. One of his female colleagues was killed in that accident, while he suffered serious leg injuries. The injuries left him disabled.

According to friends and acquaintances, he was constantly in pain, and underwent several procedures in order to treat his disability. None of them were successful, and he soon fell into depression. Soon after that, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He couldn't find work because of his disability, and was forced to move in with his mother.